Follow the instructions below to investigate the power of factors which influence climate.


You are presented with the problem of
creating a model for a climate that is influenced
by ocean currents, prevailing winds,
and/or mountains. To solve this problem,you
will apply the concepts you have learned
about the factors that affect climate
Expected Outcome
You may use any of the materials you are
given to devise a setup that models a climate.
You should model at least two climates to show
a temperature change.
You might be using a fan, water, and a
stack of books. The dry climate would be located
on the leeward side of a book “mountain.”
You could model a temperate continental
climate using only a fan or a fan and a book
“mountain.” You could model a highland climate
using a book “mountain” with ice on top
or a polar climate with ice in a shallow pan.
Content Assessed
This activity will assess your understanding of
factors that affect climate, including ocean currents,
prevailing winds, and/or mountains.
You must show a measurable change in the temperature.
Be sure to begin your demonstration by measuring
the ambient temperature in the room.
Skills Assessed
making models, observing, drawing conclusions
Materials
  • Provide students with shallow pans or plastic
containers, water, and ice.
  • Provide thermometers that students can use
to measure air temperature.
  • Provide enough textbooks, encyclopedias, or
other books for students who choose to build
a mountain.
  • Place several fans on tables located throughout
    the room.
Time
  • 30 minutes
Due next class: //Lab report//